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29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Tale Filled with Possibility, Small-Town Charm and Even a Bit of Mystery, October 23, 2006
After her husband's passing, Emma Garrett realizes that her life as a General Store owner is lonely. Her children have grown and begun families of their own and have moved away. This revelation spurs an impulsive decision to sell the store and purchase a boardinghouse. For the last four years, along with the help of her mother-in-law and two young girls from town, Emma has run a successful operation. This venture has provided the sense of belonging and social interaction for which she'd been yearning. Over the years, she has met and befriended many guests. Some, like the adorably eccentric Mitchell sisters have become repeat visitors. Then there is the quiet Reverend Glenn who Emma invited to become a permanent resident after a stroke left him unable to be as independent as he would have preferred. Everything has been going along smoothly until recently. A new semi-permanent resident has arrived and it's causing a bit of a stir. The Widow Leonard is supposed to split her time between her two sons but a disagreement between them has made things too tense for her. Subsequently, she chose to run away to the boardinghouse. Neither of the sons are too happy about this development, putting Emma in the middle. To add to this dilemma, an arrogant investor has set his sights on certain properties around Candlewood including one that belongs to Emma. His attempts at persuasion have become rather forceful of late and Emma needs to find a way to stop him once and for all. Other investors have arrived but their interests are kept quiet from Emma, a businesswoman but a woman nonetheless. She has a growing curiosity both toward this and the argument between the Leonard boys and is determined to get to the bottom of both against the advice of her attorney, Zachary Breckenwith. As if all of these weren't enough, Emma has received some news of her own that may have a life-changing effect on her and her friends. With all of these circumstances floating about her it's a good thing she has a strong faith in God to get her through it all. A Hearth in Candlewood is the first installment in author Delia Parr's inspirational Candlewood Trilogy. Set in 1840s New York during the height of the canal building era, it is a tale filled with possibility, small-town charm and even a bit of mystery. Parr's characters pull the reader into the autumnal backdrop of the community in which they live and keep interest peaked with a perfect balance of drama and amusement. The only difficulty one will confront is having to wait until the second book arrives on the shelves.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A PEACEFUL TIME AND PLACE, March 24, 2008
I have recently discovered this author and have enjoyed every book of hers that I have read thus far. This book is exceptional. In 1841, the main character, Emma Garret is the owner of Hill House, a boarding house in the village of Candlewood, N.Y. She finds herself ministering to her guests and employees with love and wisdom. She even finds herself in the middle of a family feud when a grandmother runs away from home and lands on her doorstep. Emma is a widow who use to own the general store before she bought Hillside House. Now she learns thru her lawyer that she might not own it after all. She is quite distressed over this news. This would mean life-changes for her and her guests. She longs to correct this and restore peace to Hill House and within her heart. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the episodes in this story especially one where something occured on Main St. that left chicken running wild inside and out of businesses, etc. You won't be sorry if you decide to read this book as you will find yourself in the middle of a beautiful time and place among quaint and colorful characters.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"A Hearth in Candlewood" (part one of a new trilogy), September 19, 2006
BOOK REVIEW: A Hearth in Candlewood, by author Delia Parr I've just finished reading "A Heath in Candlewood," by author Delia Parr, I have to say, "Delia Parr has done it again!" In my ever so busy life, her latest novel "A Hearth in Candlewood" provided an essential escape for my rocket-paced workload. From the beginning to the end, Delia manages to engage the imagination and allow us to enter as a guest in Hill House. The story begins in the small fictional village of "Candlewood, New York" in the 19th century. The main character, middle aged `Widow Emma Garrett,' runs a stately boarding house along with her mother in law, "Mother Garrett", also a widow. Emma is a no-nonsense woman, steadfast in godly principles and family values, doing what's right, even when it isn't convenient. I admire this lady! The opening chapter grabs you and keeps you right there with `Widow Emma Garrett' as she makes her way through the hallways of Hill House checking to make sure her guests are all settled for the night before retiring her own tired bones. We feel for her as she clasps her tiny sentimental scraps of cloth. We are startled at the sudden sharp rap at the back kitchen door. We scramble along with her to see who might be appearing this late hour of the night. We fought back a warm smile when it's revealed who the late night visitor might be, an adorable `run away grandma' dripping wet from the downpour! It is apparent she had premeditated her arrival at Hill house! We laugh, we rest, and we worry. We even observe Rev. Glenn's old dog, `Butter' sleep deeply while Rev Glenn whittles little surprises out of candlewood sticks. Hill House is a peaceful place. `Emma' intends to keep it this way. Unbeknownst to her mother in law, Zachary Breckenwith, Emma's lawyer delivers a heart full of very disturbing news involving the possible fate of Hill House. Emma struggles with keeping life stable and secure as she juggles the responsibilities of her guests, and the fate Hill House as well as those that live and work there. With the possibility of the railroad coming through, anything can happen. And thus, the stage is set for another memorable wholesome adventure in the World of Delia Parr. I understand Delia has already finished part two and will be spending next summer on the third and final part of "The Candlewood Trilogy." A final thought... Hurry Delia! Please don't make us wait too long before the next essential escape! Nita Horn Staff Writer, www.RaidersNewsUpdate.com
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